Many parents wait anxiously for their child's first steps, which is understandable. It can be delightful to see a young child begin walking around the home and enter another important stage. But what if those first steps have not yet come? ‘My friend's son isn't even one and has already started walking.’ Try not to compare: children develop at different rates. This article looks at how to support learning to walk and which mistakes to avoid.
When does a child start walking?
Learning to walk begins between 8 and 18 months of age. There is no need to speed up this process, and unskilled assistance can have negative consequences. One child may already be taking their first steps while holding on to furniture at around 8 months old, while another may only be learning to sit at that time. This is entirely normal. According to the World Health Organization, a healthy child should begin walking by the age of one and a half at the latest. However, if parents have doubts or notice worrying behaviour, it is always worth consulting a paediatrician. If the specialist sees no cause for concern, give the child time, cheer them on and accompany them on the wonderful adventure of learning to walk.
Say NO to baby walkers!
Many parents look for colourful, interactive baby walkers designed to encourage their child to walk. Unfortunately, this is not a good solution. Walkers disrupt the correct movement pattern, the position they impose is unnatural, and the child must push off the ground on tiptoe to take a step. But that is not all. A child in a walker judges distances differently, cannot see their feet and cannot fully control their body. Interestingly, according to research published in the British Medical Journal, a child using such equipment begins moving independently an average of 4 weeks later. It is therefore worth asking: is a child's development a race? Certainly not. Give the child time and do not place them in assistive equipment that may do more harm than good.
Barefoot Through the World...
A child puts a great deal of effort into taking their first steps. The source therefore advises against putting shoes on babies who are beginning to walk. A child curls their toes, flexes and turns their feet and continually changes muscle tension in order to maintain balance. It states that this is impossible in rigid shoes and that even soft footwear does not provide full contact with the ground, concluding that it is best for the child to go barefoot.
However, if your little one needs to wear shoes when going outside or walking on a slippery surface, remember that the footwear you buy should not be:
- used – every child walks differently, and the effect of their feet causes the shoe to change shape. This may lead to abnormal development of the child's legs and, over time, their entire posture;
- with a slippery sole – children usually move quite quickly. This type of footwear can cause numerous falls and injuries;
- with a narrow toe – this shape of footwear does not support a natural toe position and may contribute to hallux valgus;
- too tight – increase the risk of foot deformity. The child's feet are compressed and circulation may be restricted, which can cause swelling;
- too large – they cause discomfort, and the child may have difficulty taking steps properly. This type of footwear does not stay securely on the feet, which can also lead to dangerous falls.
Too Much Sensory Input and Overstimulation
Parents often use toys to encourage a child to walk. However, care is needed: the little one should focus primarily on the steps they are taking. Loud, flashing toys scattered around the room are usually an obstacle, as the child may trip over them and fall. It is therefore better to choose one item, such as a small ball that can be rolled and that the little one will happily walk towards to play with.
Encourage your child to move
A little one who spends most of the day in a cot or playpen will certainly not learn to walk. Encourage your child to belly crawl and crawl on all fours; exercising their muscles will make it easier for them to begin walking independently sooner. Encourage them to stand and move alongside furniture, and with support let them take small steps from one person to another.
A child's first steps are a very important stage. We see them in advertisements, and parents often record them in videos with great emotion. There is nothing wrong with accompanying and supporting the little one. It is important to allow the child independence and an opportunity to discover the capabilities of their own body. When the time is right, the little one will get to their feet and run forwards.